DRAFT DAY: Preparing for this draft would have been a huge challenge for Adelaide's recruiting team in the past few weeks, but the Crows now know that their first- and second-round picks are safe. The club has been linked to local forward Tim O'Brien with its first choice, the tall forward impressing with his marking ability playing for SA this year. Geelong Falcon Mason Wood, another quick, busy and agile key forward, is another they have been looking at. The Crows only have three selections, and will only bring in one new player. With pick 54 they must draft Nick Joyce, delisted this week because the Crows have not been allowed to delist Kurt Tippett pending the AFL Commission's hearing into the draft tampering and salary cap charges it faces. Joyce was the unlucky player to be temporarily lopped and will have a stressful wait on Thursday night, but all indications on Friday were that no other club would draft him before the Crows' second choice. Callinan will be upgraded with the club's third round choice, and it's worth remembering that Brad Crouch, Adelaide's selection in last year's 17-year-old mini-draft, would have pushed for a top three or five spot if available in this year's draft. The intense, competitive midfielder is a very big get.

DRAFT DAY: Brisbane started the trade period looking for three things - a key forward, midfield depth and a versatile support ruckman. The Lions were able to tick two of those boxes, through Moloney and Martin, and were also open to the possibility of recruiting a defender, possibly allowing Merrett to spend more time in the forward line. At pick 8, the club has an interesting choice to make. Kristian Jaksch is considered the best key forward (behind Joe Daniher) and will be there for them, but not at No. 24. If they want him, they'll have to pick him early. A few talented midfield utilities could also be around - Sam Mayes is believed to be the club's favourite (Port Adelaide at pick 7 is also keen on Mayes, one of the best kicks in the draft) with Jackson Macrae a slight chance to be there, too, should the Bulldogs overlook him. There's a tiny chance Lachie Plowman, the most popular key back in the field, will sneak through too, although Jaksch seems the preferred option. Should the Lions land Mayes or Macrae, they could look for a taller type with their end-of-first-round pick. Tanner Smith, North Ballarat's unassuming, close-checking defender, is a chance there.

DRAFT DAY: It seems that every year, the world outside Carlton implores the Blues to choose more talls. Looking at the club's list, that doesn't seem to be a huge priority this year. Of course, this depends on what the club sees the likes of Mitchell, Casboult, Watson, McCarthy and others delivering in seasons to come, and whether Kristian Jaksch slips through to them. With pick 11, the Blues need to be nabbing the best on-ball prospect they can and trying to bring some pace and polish in. They are most keen on Jackson Macrae, who plays through the middle and up forward: his anticipation, reading of the play, goal sense and ability to create a big moment make him stand out and he'd be a great choice. Problem is, he might have been grabbed by the Bulldogs or Brisbane. There's only a slim chance South Australian Sam Mayes will slip through, meaning Carlton could look instead for onballers Nathan Hrovat and Jesse Lonergan, versatile Taylor Garner or the zip of Ben Kennedy. Jake Stringer could fall around that mark, though they haven't invested much time in him. There should be plenty of midfielders around at their next pick, as well as a big group of talls should they go that way. If the Blues revive Kyle Reimers' career it will be at 56, given their rookie list is full.

DRAFT DAY: The Pies are planning to take four picks and, having traded away their past two first-round choices for deals involving Krakouer, Elliott and the delisted Cegler, they will play a significant role in this draft. It's good timing for them, too, because although they still have a strong squad and should contend again next year, they could do with some freshening up in a few areas. One is down back, with Tarrant gone and Keeffe extremely promising, but on his way back from a knee reconstruction; the other is at the opposite end of the ground given Dawes' departure. South Australian Tim O'Brien, a marking forward, and Tasmanian defenders Sam Siggins and Jackson Thurlow are three considerations, while the enigmatic, athletic Spencer White would be a left-field choice. Then there are the other early choices. The Pies have put plenty of work into midfielder Dayle Garlett, and are still deciding whether to roll the dice given he has had disciplinary problems off the field. On pure talent, he's probably a top-10 player in this draft, given his ability to initiate play and make things happen, but he'd need major attention if they took him on. Taylor Garner could be around for them, with Nathan Hrovat and forward Tim Membrey chances too.

DRAFT DAY: Essendon's off-season has been interesting and a little more bold than usual. The Bombers have tended to hang on to players in recent seasons but they've lopped a whole lot at once, creating a new, younger fringe and likely opportunities for Kavanagh, Browne and others not to mention plenty of spots on the list. Daniher is clearly the best key forward available in this draft and would have given Lachie Whitfield a major nudge as the No. 1 pick if he had been available to everyone. He is, as he has been all season, a major bargain. The Bombers could look to address a few needs from there. They have been strongly linked to Calder Cannons best-and-fairest Rory Atkins at pick 35 and he would add some creativity and nous to their group of midfielders. Running defender Jason Ashby is also in the mix. With so many spots to fill, expect the club to add at least one or two slightly older players as well. Defender Tom Fields, the son of Neville, is a chance, given that Steinberg's move to the rookie list means the Bombers have assigned all four spots already.

DRAFT DAY: The Dockers will take three picks and there's a bit of wait-and-see when it comes to pick 17. The classy Josh Simpson, who moved back to Perth this year after finishing school in Adelaide, seems made for the expanses of Subiaco and would be a good choice. Problem is he would have to get past Gold Coast, North and Geelong first. There's a very slight chance Kristian Jaksch, the draft's standout key forward after Joe Daniher, may still be available and while he's not at the top of the Dockers' list they would consider him; Fremantle has always picked the best player on its list early in drafts, regardless of apparent needs, but they haven't got any young tall forwards on the go and, having missed on Claremont's Tom Lee - traded to St Kilda as one of GWS' pre-listed players - they will want to get started on one soon. South Australian Tim O'Brien, another big marking forward, is right in the mix, as is Nick Graham, an inside onballer, while Taylor Garner could appeal. In the Dockers' dreams, Brodie Grundy would slide all the way to them, but the club may look for a tall later in the draft. They have been linked with local defender Harry Marsh, with forward Mason Shaw some chance to slip to 37.

DRAFT DAY: The Cats have a happy knack of coming up with a good list of rankings, waiting, then simply picking off the best player available at their first choice. Sitting in the middle of the first round this year, they'll do the same again given they have no obvious, pressing needs. Jake Stringer, a strong midfielder/ forward was in their sights last year as part of the 17-year-old mini-draft, until he broke his leg, and although he's had a rough year, he is a big chance to be chosen here unless the Bulldogs grab him early. Others being considered are onballer Nick Vlastuin, the Geelong Falcons' quick, agile centre half-forward, Mason Wood, Tasmania's big, bullocking midfielder, Jesse Lonergan, and sharp South Australian onballer Ben Kennedy, who may have been nabbed by North Melbourne. Should Gold Coast pass on Josh Simpson, the Cats will consider him in a big way: he was rated a top-five talent this time last year and has had an interrupted year after moving from South Australia back to Perth, but is one of the draft's classiest talents.

DRAFT DAY: With its list size starting to shrink, Gold Coast had some tough calls to make at the end of the season. The same will apply from here in, with the Suns dropping to 40 players in 2014 and 38 plus nine rookies the following year. They scored good deals for Caddy and Hickey, getting back into a strong position in the first round, and their one zone selection, defender Clay Cameron, is a talented one. What then to do with the first pick? There are a few options to consider. West Australian Josh Simpson is one of the quickest and classiest players in the draft and of definite appeal. The Suns could well do with an inside midfielder, particularly given Caddy's departure, with Nathan Hrovat arguably the standout stoppage player in the draft pool and Jesse Lonergan, a powerful, big-bodied Tasmanian, also in the mix. Cameron and Schade are works-in-progress down back, but defender Lachie Plowman would be tough to pass on should he somehow slide through, while Aidan Corr and Jackson Thurlow, at pick 57, are other defenders the Suns have put some work into.

DRAFT DAY: With five of the first 14 selections, the Giants will make draft day all about them for a second year running. Their choices will shape much of what happens in the first round, and they are still pondering some interesting options. Lachie Whitfield is a lock at No. 1, but from there they have some big decisions to make. Four players seem to be in the mix for picks 2 and 3 - utility Troy Menzel, skilful onballer Jono O'Rourke, defender Lachie Plowman and wingman Jimmy Toumpas. If they want Menzel, the Giants will need to pick him early; he most likely won't be there at 12. Having undergone LARS surgery at the age of 16, he is a risky pick considering he his obvious knee problems. Not all clubs could take the punt, but given the Giants have so many first-rounders tucked away, his knee is not such a huge deal. Menzel could easily end up the best player in the draft. Plowman is the pick of the key backs, but he seems a slight chance to get to 12. If he doesn't, the Giants could grab Aidan Corr, another competitive, close-checking backman, instead, and not miss out too much. At pick 14, Brodie Grundy would be one of the draft's big bargains if available. Port Adelaide might choose the big, aggressive ruckman at pick 7 but if they don't, he could slide some way.

DRAFT DAY: The Hawks will have some waiting to do on draft day - there seems to be some consensus on the first 15 or 16 players, but after that it becomes very difficult to predict the clubs' preferences, meaning the Hawks could get a shot at a player they see in their own top 15 or 20 when their first choice comes around. Bringing Lake in indicates their determination to take another strong shot at next year's flag: they were not hugely active on draft day last year and won't be again this year, but have nonetheless managed to get some good kids in. Gunston's still young, Brad Hill showed a bit last year and the Hawks were lucky enough to get their hands on Jed Anderson during the recent trade period. Anderson would have pushed for a spot around 20 in this year's draft as a tough midfielder, a leader and a player who can do spectacular things. Nathan Wright is a player they've been linked to at 29 and there's a chance he'll be there, although St Kilda is also keen. His kicking needs some work but he's a fast, line-breaking player who could provide pace off half-back. South Australian Sam Colquhoun is another who could be considered.

DRAFT DAY: Melbourne's clearance of recent first-round draft picks - Morton, Gysberts, Cook, and last year Tom Scully - means that while the Dees have recruited some ready-to-go types in Pedersen, Byrnes, Rodan, Dawes and Gillies, they really are starting over in terms of developing some top-end young talent. They have a pretty solid back-line group with Watts likely to start next year down there and, while he's been managing a groin problem this year, Viney can be expected to play a serious amount of senior footy should his pre-season go well. They have a big call on their hands at No.4; Ollie Wines, long linked to the club, is a ferocious competitor who always plays well, who leads and who will slot straight in and play a lot of games. But Jimmy Toumpas could be available and, with the Demons' midfield group in need of more pace and polish, would have to come under huge consideration if the Giants pass, as the recent rumour mill suggests they will. The Dees will most likely make four live picks.

DRAFT DAY: North Melbourne has plenty to feel optimistic about despite its shell-shocked finish to last season. It has a well-balanced list with options at either end, and the likes of Atley, Harper and Macmillan played a significant part in the Roos' push into the top eight. Pick 15 is an interesting one because one or two of their top eight or 10 players should drop through to them. Ben Kennedy is one they've been linked to and he would be a good choice: he proved himself a genuine midfielder playing for South Australia this year while managing a groin injury. He has pace, he is one of the sharper kicks and he scores goals. Looking at their list, he would slot in nicely as someone who could start forward and duck into the middle. Taylor Garner, this year's bolter despite shoulder problems, is another option as a quirky, courageous half-forward/midfielder, and Jake Stringer is one more to consider. Nathan Hrovat too. The Roos, looking to make five picks, will be hoping St Kilda doesn't snatch ex-Port Adelaide onballer Ben Jacobs from them, and that he's there at pick 38, while they've been linked to Jordon Bourke, the son of former Geelong captain Damian, and have also committed to Taylor Hine.

DRAFT DAY: The Power had a busy trade period, adding Hombsch to its back line, Monfries to the forward line, and Heath and Stevenson to the general mix. The club has acquired some good young talent in recent seasons, but for various reasons many have progressed slowly. Port really just needs to keep adding good players, and has an interesting choice to make at pick 7. There's a chance the smart, crafty Jackson Macrae could reach its pick, and the Power would have to consider him. The same goes for Troy Menzel. But the choice, at the moment, seems to be down to Sam Mayes, a half-forward/midfield option with excellent foot skills, and Brodie Grundy, the draft's best, most competitive ruckman. It is an interesting call and will depend a lot on what the Power sees Lobbe, Renouf and Redden delivering, moving forward. Many would argue Grundy would go ahead of them quickly, and that his understanding of how to play as a forward makes him especially valuable. On the other hand, Mayes has so much class. There should be some onballers available later - the Power is planning for three live picks - including local Tim Broomhead, while the club has been linked to ex-Sun Hayden Jolly.

DRAFT DAY: Things are starting to come together for Richmond, and although teams don't necessarily follow a linear path to success, the Tigers are maturing nicely in most parts of the ground. There's nothing they desperately need, although their midfield numbers - as good as Cotchin, Deledio and Martin are, with Ellis to perhaps evolve into an onball prospect - could do with some boosting. They have been heavily linked to Northern Knights onballer Nick Vlastuin this year and it's easy to see why he would appeal: he's a competitor, one who puts his head over the ball, gets on with things and plays consistently well. He'd be a solid pick. Close-checking defender Aidan Corr is also in contention at No. 9, fellow backman Lachie Plowman would have to be considered should he somehow slip down the order, Jackson Macrae is a rough chance to still be around and so is key forward Kristian Jaksch. Jackson Thurlow is another the club has been tied to. Thurlow, a tall running defender from Launceston, may reach them at pick 32. The Tigers are planning to take four picks and have been looking at Orren Stephenson. He'd provide immediate, senior back-up in the ruck, although Vickery can obviously play in the ruck and Elton is developing as a ruck/forward. Busy onballer Tim McGenniss, Dandenong's best-and-fairest this year, is one the Tigers could try to grab in the 30s.

DRAFT DAY: The Saints traded out of the first round, bringing ruckman Tom Hickey in, as well as Tom Lee, who could be expected to play some senior footy next year as a marking forward. It was an interesting move, though the fact they managed to get two picks in the 20s back means they still have a reasonable double-shot at getting some good young kids in. They're planning to take four choices, and it will be interesting to see whether they use No. 26 to take Ben Jacobs, who left Port Adelaide hoping to get to North Melbourne. The Saints seem the only club that could ruin North's plans, but their decision may depend on who else is available at 26. They are one of only a few clubs that seem to be seriously considering Dayle Garlett, whose talents as a smart, skilful onballer are doubted by no one, but whose disciplinary problems off the field have scared plenty off. He should still be available at that choice. There's a few talls that could be around - Tanner Smith, maybe Mason Wood, Jackson Thurlow, Tom Clurey - although they could really do with adding some more midfield talent. Dandenong speedster Nathan Wright could get to them, while St Kilda's the club tied most strongly to former Fremantle defender Dylan Roberton, and should be able to get him.

DRAFT DAY: The Swans had a fairly significant clean-out during the trade period, and have plenty of spots that need filling. They're looking to take five or six picks, with six to take them to 39 and one saved for the pre-season draft, where the plan is to pick Kurt Tippett. There's a chance they could go into next year with 39 on their list and push up a rookie. A couple of names keep coming up regarding their first pick: Ben Kennedy is one and would slot in nicely as a skilful ball carrier alongside the likes of Parker and Mitchell. Problem is, he's a chance to go to North Melbourne at No. 15, and a couple of other clubs picking before then. Another chance is Mason Wood, who played as an over-age key forward for the Geelong Falcons this year. The busy, confident left-footer tested really well for speed and agility at the draft combine and, although the Swans are still working hard on Walsh, would develop nicely by Reid's side. It would be ironic if he ended up there given he is also one of Adelaide's favourites for the pick 20 they may lose.

DRAFT DAY: Keep fit, and the Eagles should have a genuine shot at next year's premiership. They've recruited well in recent years, plenty of those recruits have become important players already, and their depth is good. They'll have to wait and see who's there for them at pick 46, but there's a chance they could look for some talls. The Eagles would have traded Mitch Brown had Essendon's Cale Hooker agreed to move, and given that there's every chance Brown will be gone in 12 months, some young defensive options could appeal to them, with converting one or two of their young forwards into back-line players also a consideration. Kamdyn McIntosh and Nick Rodda are a couple of options at their first pick and East Fremantle defender Harry Marsh is around the mark there, too. He tested really well at the end of the season, boosting his chances, with Fremantle also interested, and the Eagles have also done some work on delisted Demon Lucas Cook. Their later picks are even more speculative, but they could take a chance on Shannon Taylor, a big talent who hasn't yet proved he has an appetite for tough work and may be a bigger chance to make it at home in Perth than in another state.

DRAFT DAY: The Bulldogs are in for a tough short-term. The good news is that the rejuvenation is well underway, with 16 players blooded in the past two years. But they'll need time, and with a bunch of their best players inching closer to the end and their middle bracket affected by the loss of Ward and Harbrow and the fact neither Djerrkura nor Justin Sherman worked out, the Dogs could be left with more holes to fill soon. This draft is enormous for them, in other words. The Dogs need a bit of everything, but will be hoping wingman Jimmy Toumpas gets past GWS and Melbourne. It's a possibility, and the same applies for Jono O'Rourke, another classy on-baller. Jackson Macrae is a strong chance to go at 5 or 6, with the big-bodied Jake Stringer also a rough chance. The Dogs' group of tall defenders looks young and vulnerable, which makes defender Lachie Plowman a consideration, even though he could hardly be an immediate saviour at the age of 18. At pick 22 there will be some talls around, with Tim O'Brien and Tim Membrey appealing options.